Donald Trump revealed for the first time that the U.S. has a secret operation to smuggle oil through the Strait of Hormuz since last month, and now it has transported more than 100 million barrels of oil.
On Wednesday, 10 Jun 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that last month he ordered the U.S. military to carry out a "secret mission" to support and escort oil tankers and various commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that more than 100 million barrels of oil have been transported through this shipping route.
"Last month, I ordered the great U.S. military to carry out a secret mission to support oil tankers and other commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz," Trump posted on the Truth Social platform.
"Today, I am pleased to announce that this effort has resulted in more than 100 million barrels of oil successfully passing through the strait and reaching free markets," he added.
Trump cited what he called a success, noting that more than 200 commercial ships passed safely through the route, using this as justification that the U.S., not Iran, controls the Strait of Hormuz.
"More than 200 commercial vessels have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This tremendous success happened because the United States controls the strait, not Iran. Their military has been defeated, and their economy has collapsed. Iran is finished!" Trump's post stated.
Earlier, in response to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed that this secret operation was why global oil prices did not surge to $250 per barrel.
"We are bringing out millions of barrels of oil, which I am announcing for the first time today. But we have been working together to bring out millions of barrels every night," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "Millions of barrels are being transported, and that is why oil prices are $85 to $90 per barrel instead of $250."
Previously, experts interviewed by CNN said there are many theories explaining the calm in the oil market amid major supply disruptions. One theory is that oil is being smuggled out by ships that avoid blockades by turning off their automatic identification systems to avoid detection.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cnn